Manufacturers’ representative organization Harbinger National has announced the appointment of Barry Lane as its new president and CEO. Lane succeeds Michael Rowsey, a widely respected figure in the office products industry, who is stepping down having helped found the company in 2011.
Lane began his career in the commercial office products industry in 1978 and joined Avery in 1982, where he remained until September of this year. He has held various sales leadership roles in the commercial, superstore and retail channels throughout North America and was most recently vice president of commercial sales.
Lane has devoted time and energy to building strong customer relationships, promoting manufacturer peer group exchanges and supporting the industry’s charitable efforts. He has always been actively involved in the industry and has participated in many trade associations and groups, particularly BSA and AOPD.
From 2016-2019, Lane was president of BSA, having previously been VP and a board member. He also served on the AOPD advisory board from 2013-2019 and is a member of a variety of different customer supplier councils. In 2015, he was the recipient of the prestigious City of Hope Hall of Fame Award and AOPD’s President’s Award. In 2022, he received the BSA Leadership Award and was named Professional of the Year at the North American Office Product Awards.
“Barry Lane is the right leader at the right time,” said Michael Rowsey, outgoing CEO of Harbinger National. “His unwavering commitment to reseller partners and his unmatched experience in this industry will ensure Harbinger National continues to thrive. I couldn’t be more confident about the future of the company under his leadership.”
Lane emphasized continuity and partnership as central to his new role. “Harbinger National was built on a foundation of strong reseller relationships and a relentless focus on bringing best-in-class manufacturers into new channels,” he said. “I am honored to follow in Michael’s footsteps and look forward to working closely with our partners to strengthen our position across the office, jan/san, MRO and industrial spaces.”
This leadership transition is part of a strategic succession plan designed to maintain Harbinger National’s momentum while reinforcing its long-term commitment to partners and manufacturers alike.